San Diego police officer awarded Purple Heart for Iraq War combat wounds

A San Diego police sergeant credited with saving a fellow lawman’s life six years ago by shielding him from gunfire was awarded the Purple Heart this week for combat wounds he suffered while serving with the U.S. Marine Corps during the Iraq War.

Francisco Roman Jr., a former member of the 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, received the military commendation Tuesday at Camp Pendleton in honor of his actions and resulting injuries during the First Battle of Fallujah.

Roman was wounded by an improvised explosive device…